The Growth of Community Foundations Around the World: An Examination of the Vitality of the Community Foundation Movement

Individuals around the world and throughout time have demonstrated a charitable nature. They give of themselves willingly to promote the well-being of others and the betterment of their communities. Most acts of generosity or charity are done informally, neighbor to neighbor, in times of crisis, or out of a sense of religious duty. The act of giving back to one's community -- by volunteering time and talents or by giving goods or money -- is called community philanthropy.